Magnetism, in its most commonly referenced sense, deals with the unseen, atomic-level attraction and repulsion forces between a set of certain materials. Magnetic forces exist in di-polar fields that surround the objects, and any object that exhibits one of these fields is considered "magnetic". The two poles are assigned a negative and positive value, similar to the negative and positive values that are assigned to electricity, and they use the rule of opposites attracting (positive to negative, negative to positive). However, the scope of magnetism was broadened to a spectrum (pun somewhat intended) that previously would have been unimaginable with the discovery the electricity and magnetism were indeed related, birthing the expansive field of electromagnetism. Due to an accidental discovery by Hans Christian Orsted, it was found that a magnetic field could be created using flowing electric current. Beyond merely technological advancements as a direct result, this gave rise to studies that eventually concluded all forms of radiating energy are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Scientists
Of the major contributors to the field of magnetism, there are several names to be noted: Michael Faraday, Hans Christian Orsted, James Clerk Maxwell, Andre Marie Ampere, and Nikola Tesla are all huge names in the field of magnetism and each in a way reinvented the field. Pierre Curie
General Information
Photo taken from the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory website
There are different types of magnetism which all are similar but display different properties. Paramagnetism and diamagnetism are 2 examples. Magnetism is specifically caused by electrons, which act like miniature magnets in and of themselves. However, their own individual magnetism is typically canceled out by the opposite spins electron pairs have. Magnetism occurs when electrons exist in such a way that the entire atom contains a net effect of these electrons because they are not being canceled out. This is why it is possible to create an electromagnet; sending an electric charge through the right materials causes an artificial structuring effect on the electrons of the material.
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is such a broad field it encompasses not only the observable phenomon, but also...
Illustration of electromagnetism created by flow of electrical current. Photo taken from "The Fabricator"
Observing
A depiction of a dipolar magnetic field. Photo taken from the DiracDelta Engineering database.
The observation of a normal magnetic field is quite simple. Get an object that interacts magnetically (typically iron) and begin to move a magnet towards it, and the basis of many childhood toys as well as the mechanism for proudly displaying those same children's report cards on a refrigerator door is revealed. Magnets work on the basis of attraction and repulsion, so when holding two materials interacting magnetically, either a force pulling together or one pushing outward is experienced. These forces also grow much stronger as time progresses. Electromagnets are almost more common, though they are often more concealed than normal magnets. The mechanism in many devices came across everyday are simply electromagnets performing a specifc task. Automatic car door locks, wind-power generators, some bullet trains even utilize electromagnetic forces to speed passengers for long distances at speeds upwards of 90 miles per hour.
Observing electromagnetism is even easier though. Light, possibly one of the easiest observable phenomena, is composed of radiating electromagnetic waves. Another very simple and common method of observing electromagnetism involves the convenient preparation of many food products. Place a T.V. dinner in the microwave and watch electromagnetism go to work for you. The waves the microwave emits are simply a form of electromagnetic radiation; waves of varying amplitudes and frequencies that all share similar properties.
Here are some facts
Information goes right here. Talk about Maxwell's equations, relate electricity and magnetism, do a little dance, make a little... Wiki
Table of Contents
Magnetism
Magnetism, in its most commonly referenced sense, deals with the unseen, atomic-level attraction and repulsion forces between a set of certain materials. Magnetic forces exist in di-polar fields that surround the objects, and any object that exhibits one of these fields is considered "magnetic". The two poles are assigned a negative and positive value, similar to the negative and positive values that are assigned to electricity, and they use the rule of opposites attracting (positive to negative, negative to positive). However, the scope of magnetism was broadened to a spectrum (pun somewhat intended) that previously would have been unimaginable with the discovery the electricity and magnetism were indeed related, birthing the expansive field of electromagnetism. Due to an accidental discovery by Hans Christian Orsted, it was found that a magnetic field could be created using flowing electric current. Beyond merely technological advancements as a direct result, this gave rise to studies that eventually concluded all forms of radiating energy are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Scientists
Of the major contributors to the field of magnetism, there are several names to be noted: Michael Faraday, Hans Christian Orsted, James Clerk Maxwell, Andre Marie Ampere, and Nikola Tesla are all huge names in the field of magnetism and each in a way reinvented the field. Pierre Curie
General Information
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is such a broad field it encompasses not only the observable phenomon, but also...
Observing
Observing electromagnetism is even easier though. Light, possibly one of the easiest observable phenomena, is composed of radiating electromagnetic waves. Another very simple and common method of observing electromagnetism involves the convenient preparation of many food products. Place a T.V. dinner in the microwave and watch electromagnetism go to work for you. The waves the microwave emits are simply a form of electromagnetic radiation; waves of varying amplitudes and frequencies that all share similar properties.
Here are some facts
Information goes right here. Talk about Maxwell's equations, relate electricity and magnetism, do a little dance, make a little... Wiki
References